International Conference on “Trans-Disciplinary Perspectives to Early Childhood Development” on April 2

The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research, Jamia Millia Islamia is going to organize three-day International Conference on “Trans-Disciplinary Perspectives to Early Childhood Development” from April 2-4, 2014.

The aims and objectives of the Conference are –

1) To highlight the benefits of a trans-disciplinary perspective to Early Childhood Development(ECD).

2) To explore and understand the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the opportunities and challenges in developing a trans-disciplinary perspective to early childhood.

3) To provide a platform for emergence of linkages between research, policy and practice within a trans-disciplinary approach in ECD.

4) To identify and encourage emergence of research with a tarns-disciplinary approach to ECD.

The Conference is being organized to bring together varied perspective and perceptions of Early Childhood Development (ECD) with a Trans-disciplinary focus and to be able to identify gaps and opportunities therein. The sub-themes of the conference ranging from Health and Nutrition to Education to Urban Planning and Training of ECD professionals have been conceptualized adhering to a trans-disciplinary focus. A host of eminent and distinguished international and national speakers from the field of Policy, Research and Practice pertaining to ECD would present their views and generate academic debate and discussion on the theme.

The Inaugural Session of the Seminar is scheduled to be held on April 2, 2014 at 10.00 a.m. in the Conference Hall of FTK-Centre for Information Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia.

Prof. Parvin Sinclair, Director, National Council of Educational Research & Training, Delhi shall be the Chief Guest of the programme.

Mr. Thomas Chandy, CEO, Save the Children, India shall be the Guest of Honour of the programme.

Prof. S.M. Sajid, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia shall Chair the Inaugural Session.

The Conference is spread over various Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions on the topics relevant to the theme of the Conference. Academicians, research scholars and policy makers across the country are expected to attend it and they will discuss and deliberate on the issues relevant to the Conference.

The Conference includes the following sub-themes for discussion:

Day 1: April 2, 2014 11.15 a.m. onwards

Plenary Session I: Trans-Disciplinary Approach to ECD: Scope and Challenges

Chair: Mr. A.K. Jain, Secretary, MWCD, Govt. of India (To be confirmed)

Dr. Sudeep Godak, Director Programmes, Save the Children-India

Panel Discussion I: Perspectives in ECD Research: Transgressing Disciplinary Boundaries

Chair: Prof. S. Galab, CESS, Hyderabad

Panel Discussion II: Innovative Practices in ECD

Chair: Prof. Neelam Sood, NUEPA, Delhi

Day 2: April 3, 2014 10.00 a.m. onwards

Plenary Session II: Integrated Approaches to Health & Nutrition

Chair: Prof. Umesh Kapil, Health Nutrition Unit, AIIMS, Delhi

Panel Discussion III: Holistic Responses to Marginalized Children

Chair: Ms. Deepak Kalra, Founder, Director, UMANG, Jaipur and former Chairperson, SCPCR, Rajasthan

Panel Discussion IV: Addressing Diverse Needs Through Culturally and Developmentally Appropriate Pedagogy

Chair: Ms. Natalia Mufel, Education Specialist, UNICEF, Delhi

Plenary Session III: Collaboration for Ensuring Holistic Child Development

Chair: Prof. Rajalakshmi Sriram, HDFS, MSUB, Baroda

Day 3: April 4, 2014 10.00 a.m. onwards

Panel Discussion V: Children in Disaster, Emergency and Conflict Situation: Ensuring Convergence

Chair: Dr. Geeta Menon, former Director, Girl’s Education Programme, CARE India

Panel Discussion VI: Challenges of Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Policy Formulation Implementation

Chair: Ms. Devika Singh, Advisor, Alliance to the Right to Early Childhood Development & Founder Member, Mobile Creches

Plenary Session IV: Training professionals: Multi-Sectoral Approach

Chair: Dinesh Paul, Director, NIPCCD,Delhi

The Valedictory Session is scheduled to be held on April 4, 2014 at 02.00 p.m.

Mr. Harsh Mander, Director, Centre for Equity Studies & Special Commissioner, Supreme Court of India in the Right to Food case shall deliver Valedictory Address.

Ms. Shireen Miller, Director-Advocacy, Save the Children, India shall Chair the programme.

–Jamia Millia Islamia